Architecture Theses and Dissertations
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/1903/2743
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Item Transitional Housing: Breaking Cycles of Domestic Violence in North Philadelphia(2020) Brown, Elizabeth Conforti; Ohnstad, Tonya; Du Puy, Karl; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)This thesis proposes a transitional housing facility for survivors of intimate partner violence and other forms of domestic abuse. It describes the affected populations, explains associated risk factors, and discusses the long-term psychological and economic effects this abuse has on its victims. By analyzing the institutional programs available to survivors and the ways in which those systems fall short, this thesis hypothesizes that the availability of better transitional housing options can reduce the frequency of repeated victimization. This thesis interrogates how architecture and program can facilitate the same goals as clinical treatment for people recovering from trauma. It demonstrates four features to support healing: empowerment, connection, security, and peace. The thesis presents site analysis of a neighborhood in Upper North Philadelphia as a location for a design intervention, but also proposes that these guidelines are applicable to other communities, rather than site-specific.Item Infusing Wellness: Eastern Traditions in the Western Context(2013) James, Khara; Eisenbach, Ronit; Simon, Madlen; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)Wellness is defined as an optimal state of health in the mind, body, and spirit. This state is achieved through a balance of energy found in all things, including the human body. Eastern Traditions support the notion that this energy is governed by the elements of nature. Eastern architects such as Tadao Ando and Geoffrey Bawa offer lessons on how design connects humans to nature and appeals to our sense of well-being. This thesis builds on the implications of both Eastern health and design traditions to develop a building typology in the West that promotes healing in our underserved communities. It aims to heal and educate people by providing spaces for healthy, natural and preventative activities. It explores a process of design for well-being in which the users experience the healing qualities of nature in a space. The resulting wellness center acts as a threshold into nature natural environment.